Tuesday, May 28, 2013

what is talc powder used for

TALC POWDER

Raw minerals
are used for commercial purposes in its natural state to manufacture a wide
range of products. The raw minerals can be categorized into three main
categories which are industrial minerals, metallic minerals and fuel minerals. However,
some industrial minerals are metallic in nature also. Industrial usage of
minerals varies to a great extent. Some of the common raw minerals which are
used for industrial purposes are mica, clays, sand, talc, limestone, gypsum,
gravel, kaoline, silica, barite, pumice and potash. These minerals are used in
its raw form in industries like paints, construction, ceramics, electronics,
glass, plastics, detergent, paper and beverages. The huge demand minerals in
raw for is thus due to the extensive industrial usage of raw minerals to
manufacture various products.

Talc is the
softest of all minerals found on Earth and has been used for years as a powder
in a variety of products. The original talc powders, also referred to as talcum
powders, sometimes contained asbestos, which can naturally appear in talc. Talc
remains in heavy use as an ingredient in everyday products and might also be
used by itself for common household problems. The best-known use of talc powder
is in baby powder. Because talc is a mineral that helps keep your body dry, it
is often used in the powders that are applied to a baby's diaper area. Talc
powder also appears frequently in body powders and cosmetic face powders for
adults. Talc and its powder might be in many household products. Caulks,
sealants, and wire and cable insulation all make use of talc, as do paint and
roofing and flooring supplies. Other products that contain talc and talc powder
include paper, plastics, rubber, hoses, gaskets and foam packaging. An
investigation by Harvard's Nurses' Health Study shows a link between use of
talc powder and the occurrence of a rare form of ovarian cancer called serous
ovarian cancer. The link between talc powder and cancer is still subject to
debate, though, so doctors won't advise you to avoid using talc powder. If you
are concerned about this link, though, you can use the powders with a
cornstarch base. Talcum powder is nothing but the powdered form of talc; the
softest mineral known to exist on earth that tops the list on the Mohs hardness
scale. This powder is primarily used for its moisture absorbing properties,
although there are other uses too.